Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
342. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that the Registry of Deeds Office has not opened since March 2020; and the reason that the Registry of Deeds Office does not open now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22624/22]
View answerThe Property Registration Authority (PRA), including the Registry of Deeds, continued to maintain a high level of service to support a robust property market throughout the period of Covid-19 restrictions. In 2021, the number of deeds lodged with the Registry of Deeds increased by 9 per cent, and the number processed increased by 20 per cent. Some 4,518 copy memorial applications were received during 2021 and issued within 1 to 3 working days from the date of receipt. The number of official searches undertaken during 2021 was 1,400, which was 113 per cent more than in 2020. Some 99 per cent of regular searches are processed within 1 to 3 working days.
Public access to pre-1970 records at the Registry of Deeds Henrietta Street building was suspended on 11 March 2020. However, public access by appointment re-opened on 10 August 2020. In line with Government guidelines, public access was again suspended in November 2020 during 'Level 5' of the Government’s Living with Covid-19 Plan and also between January and May 2021. However, the appointment service re-commenced on 11 May 2021, with data indicating that there is a sufficient number of appointments to meet customer demand. It should also be noted that Registry of Deeds staff continued to undertake searches and provide certified copies throughout the pandemic disruption.
The public counter service for post-1970 public searches was closed on 11 March 2020. These records have been computerised and access to them is available via www.landdirect.ie. PRA staff also provide an enhanced response to queries by e-mail and phone to assist customers in navigating landdirect.ie. A postal and e-mail search service is also provided for customers not wishing to open a landdirect account. In addition, a new e-mail service for 'plain' (non-certified) copies of documents was introduced in June 2020. It is also intended to provide an in-person service for post-1970 public searches on an appointment basis in the coming months.
The PRA Chancery Street Office is open to receive applications to register deeds in the Registry of Deeds, lodged by hand.
